Paul Bostaph, well-known for his powerful drumming with Slayer, has brought his distinctive style to Kerry King’s solo debut, “From Hell I Rise.” Bostaph, who has been pivotal in the thrash metal scene, spoke candidly about his approach to drumming on this new project. Unlike previous endeavors, Bostaph felt a liberating absence of the overshadowing legacy typical of his time with Slayer. This freedom allowed him to explore and express himself in ways that were both fresh and unburdened by past expectations.

Now, Kerry King is touring the new album, and is enthusiastic about the new era of Slayer-influenced music they are able to explore.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The US run of the From Hell I Rise tour is underway! Kerry recently sat down with <a href="https://twitter.com/AustinChronicle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustinChronicle</a> to discuss his new album, give it a read at the link below.<a href="https://t.co/fiDXd2CK4x">https://t.co/fiDXd2CK4x</a></p>&mdash; Kerry King (@KerryKingMusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/KerryKingMusic/status/1814680774970368342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Throughout the pandemic, the distance necessitated by lockdowns did not dampen the collaborative spirit between King and Bostaph. Instead, it fostered a period of prolific writing and mutual feedback, which proved to be a silver lining. The duo communicated extensively, sharing ideas and drum charts, ensuring that when they could finally meet, they were ready to lay down tracks efficiently. Bostaph noted that the long hiatus due to the pandemic had built up a reservoir of creative energy, which they tapped into during the album’s production.

The drummer described the recording sessions as intense yet exhilarating. The first week together in the studio was highly productive, with several songs not only rehearsed but also recorded. This workflow was different from their past projects, characterized by a fast-paced but thorough process, aiming to maintain high-quality output without compromising the music’s integrity.

Bostaph’s relationship with King, strengthened by years of collaboration, allowed them to work seamlessly. He understood King’s vision clearly, which enabled him to deliver exactly what was needed for the album. Their synergy is evident in the dynamic and potent tracks of “From Hell I Rise,” where Bostaph’s drumming complements King’s aggressive guitar riffs perfectly.

Reflecting on this project, Bostaph expressed satisfaction with the final product, emphasizing that this was a project where he could truly say he played his heart out without any reservations or shadows from the past. This album marks not just another chapter in his career but a renewed statement of his identity as a drummer, free from the legacy constraints of his previous band, showcasing his evolution and continued passion for drumming.​